We've all heard of someone that we know or love having a 'heart attack' or that someone has suffered 'cardiac arrest'. But there is a great difference as to what these terms mean.
A Heart Attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when a coronary artery becomes suddenly blocked. This blockage prevents blood flow to the heart, and an affected area of the heart muscle dies.
Cardiac Arrest, or ventricular fibrillation is caused by sudden heart arrhythmia (arrhythmia is confused, erratic heart rhythm). During cardiac arrest the electrical currents that trigger each heart beat become completely chaotic. These electrical currents control the rhythm and organization of the heartbeats, and when they become completely incomprehensible, the heart stops.
A Heart Attack can be treated with medication and sometimes surgery may be required to open the blocked artery.
Cardiac Arrest should be treated with immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and, as soon as possible, to deliver a large electrical shock to the heart with a device called a "defibrillator." The large shock allows the heart's electrical signal to reorganize itself, and the heart starts beating again. Unfortunately, because death occurs within a few minutes of cardiac arrest unless expert help is available, the large majority of individuals who suffer cardiac arrest are not successfully resuscitated.
In the past, most Cardiac Arrest victims have been lost. But due to tremendous advances in this field On-Site Defibrillators are now available to the public. The leading provider of this technology is the Phillips company.
http://www.defibrillatoroutlet.com/
If a loved one has recently died, especially suddenly, or if you know of a close family member that has suffered a Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest, it is important that you find out as much about their health history as you can. Your own risk or a heart attack or cardiac arrest may be higher if a close relative has experienced these things. Ask their doctor to speak with you in detail about these matters. Because, IT MATTERS!
